85 decibels (dBA) is around the level of noise loud enough that you have to raise your voice to be heard 3 feet away, according to NIOSH (CDC). NIOSH recommends no more than 8 h a day at 85 dBA; OSHA permits 16 h for US workplaces.
Sounds around 85 dBA
| Level | Sound | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 74–104 dBA | Movie theater | NIDCD (NIH) |
| 80–110 dBA | Motorcycles and dirt bikes | NIDCD (NIH) |
| 85 dBA | A level where you often have to raise your voice to be heard by someone 3 feet away | NIOSH (CDC) |
| 85–90 dBA | Printing presses, lawn mowers, vacuums and power tools | NIOSH (CDC) |
Only examples published by US health agencies (NIDCD and NIOSH) are listed. Real sounds vary with distance and the source, so measure yours with the decibel meter.
Is 85 decibels safe?
- Long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. (NIDCD (NIH))
- 85 dBA averaged over 8 hours is OSHA's action level: employers must run a hearing conservation program. (OSHA)
How much of your daily limit does 85 dBA use?
| Time at 85 dBA | NIOSH dose | OSHA dose |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 3.1% | 1.6% |
| 30 minutes | 6.2% | 3.1% |
| 1 hour | 12% | 6.2% |
| 2 hours | 25% | 12% |
| 4 hours | 50% | 25% |
| 8 hours | 100% | 50% |
100% is the full daily limit. NIOSH: 85 dBA for 8 hours, halved for every 3 dBA. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95: 90 dBA for 8 hours, halved for every 5 dBA. Add other noise in your day with the noise exposure calculator.
85 dBA on the decibel scale
85 dBA is the NIOSH 8-hour reference level. Every 3 dB doubles the sound energy and every 10 dB multiplies it by ten, which is why the safe time falls so quickly as the level rises. See what is a decibel.
← 80 decibels · All levels · 90 decibels →
Common questions
Is 85 decibels safe?
For a limited time. NIOSH recommends no more than 8 h a day at 85 dBA, and OSHA permits 16 h at work.
How long can you listen to 85 decibels?
NIOSH: 8 h a day. OSHA: 16 h.
What is 85 decibels like?
Around the level of noise loud enough that you have to raise your voice to be heard 3 feet away, according to NIOSH (CDC).
Last reviewed 14 November 2026 by Sri Murugan Systems. Found a mistake? Tell us.